As mpox continues to spread, GISF’s new publication highlights some security challenges it may present and how these can be addressed
Public health emergencies, such as COVID-19 and Ebola, can be devastating for affected communities. People suffer directly when they contract the diseases. But outbreaks also affect the ability of NGOs to deliver aid, leaving communities more vulnerable.
As mpox continues to spread, GISF has issued a new security brief to help reduce the impact this disease has on the delivery of aid.
Between January 2022 and August 2024, over 120 countries reported more than 100,000 confirmed cases of mpox. As a result, the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
“This new security brief acknowledges the massive challenge NGOs face with mpox today,” explained Emily Wright, GISF’s Research Officer. “It builds on the significant research and guidance GISF produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the security challenges we experienced during that pandemic are applicable to the mpox outbreak.”
One key similarity is the impact of misinformation and disinformation. When false information about diseases like mpox is spread, particularly online, it can foster mistrust of NGOs. And this can make communities less likely to accept their services.
“As this new security brief outlines, engaging in two-way dialogue with target communities is critical when responding to disease outbreaks,” Wright said. “As well as COVID-19, we drew on some examples from past Ebola outbreaks. For example, some Ebola responses were met with significant resistance from communities. This is because there was a local perception that NGOs were focusing on their own priorities, rather than the needs of the communities.
“As the response to mpox ramps up, it is critical that NGOs provide local populations with the space and opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions,” Wright concluded.
The new GISF security brief on mpox is available here.
The content of the publication is for general information purposes only. Organisations should obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the content of the information.